Having been around in the Death Metal arena now for twenty five absolutely destructive years Krisiun approach their anniversary as one of Brazil’s most ruinous exports with a brand new album, Forged In Fury. Have Camargo and co’s claws remained as razor sharp as they once were or has time dulled our feral cat’s claws…
[tracklist]
1. Scars Of The Hatred
2. Ways Of Barbarism
3. Dogma Of Submission
4. Strength Forged In Fury
5. Soulless Impaler
6. Burning Of The Heretic
7. The Isolated Truth
8. Oracle Of The Ungod
9. Timeless Starvation
10. Milonga De La Muerte
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]52:00[/length]
[record_label]Century Media Records[/record_label]
[release_date]August 7th 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
It would seem that consistency in death metal seems to be one of its biggest selling points with countless amounts of bands delivering album after album of devastating material. Flying the flag for South America are the devastating Krisiun. Opening the record up with “Scars Of The Hatred” were immediately treated the iconic demolishing sound.
The battering ram of riffs returns for “Ways Of Barbarism” featuring some slightly out of time sections with some classic components of Death Metal rear their heads. Not before atonal riffing appears making up the songs mid section. Solo’s in the album are more apparent, grounded by their rhythmic background. Often stale and lacking in identity yet with the band’s inspired delivery guitar solo sections are played in an intriguing and unorthodox manner making them a great part of the record.
Production duties handled by our resident Death Metal mastermind Erik Rutan ensure that the drums contain his signature mammoth crush whilst also sounding organic. Working in harmony with the clang of Alex Camargo’s bass makes for the album to have a weighty sense of austerity. A highlight of the record no doubt, is the battery of “Strength Forged In Fury” containing inspired cacophonous leads and whirlwind riffing similar to that of Polish classic Organic Hallucinosis. It immediately makes for the track to stand out with out of kilter harmonies. That doesn’t mean that the new album is without groove, “Timeless Starvation” ensures that all listeners will be banging their head with the diminished groove the band employ.
Once again we see another use impressive song writing dynamics, building tension with the misty introduction of “Soulless Impaler” choosing when strike out and when certain elements need to be dialled back slightly. With the none too promising introduction, sounding similar to sound check “Oracle Of The Ungod” builds on the marching band foundation that is laid. Dispelling the illusion of tempo that was alluded to in our introduction. With many songs we’re led to believe Krisiun follow a 4/4 pattern yet much of the time there is a note added or removed to create that out of time lurch. A noticeable change but one that isn’t jarring enough to derail the track. Coupled together with the slight change in drums and you’ve got a completely different feel, therein lies the rub.
On paper Krisiun employ very simple songs, yet through clever use of dynamics each song evolves. Taking it’s first steps the original riff shown until the song comes of age. Similar to a young adult finding their way. Unsure at first, until they are cocksure of their identity. My only worry is that people that have less patience might not wait around to see the full evolution of a Krisiun track and if you’re not focused some of the tracks can blend into one slightly. However it is undeniable that Krisiun operate at the highest level of efficiency. With an honest, no frills attached sound, Forged In Fury is a devastating album that fiercely channels the band’s focused attack into the modern day.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]As the album title would suggest, Krisiun’s new offering is a furious, destructive example of a band that are imperturable.[/why]
